LI NETWORK
In a Petition filed by organisation of jewellers, Bombay High Court has issued Notice to Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Bombay High Court division bench of Justice Suresh C Gupte and Justice Madhav J Jamdar, heard the plea seeking to set aside and quash 15th, January order Union Ministry order.
Union Ministry to submit reply on an it’s order dated directing compulsory hallmarking, and prohibited selling and stamping of higher purity (more than 22 carat) hallmarking of gold ornaments.
In the Notification Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs issued guidelines that jewellers can sell only hallmarked jewellery and artifacts made of 14, 18 and 22 carat gold from June 2021 and if any violations found it will attract penalty and imprisonment up to one year.
Jewellers association submitted to the court that the order was against Article 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution, which guarantees right to practice any profession, trade or business.
The jewellers association sought relief stating that traders involved in gold business will be “tremendously affected” by the order causing losses as they are prohibited from selling gold with “high purity”.
Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs to submit reply by December 7.
Matter is listed for further hearing on December 15.
